In 1949, Arwel L. Pierce, then president of the church's Mexican Mission, visited the area of Oaxaca and expressed his belief that the LDS Church would flourish in that area. Since that time, Mormon missionaries have baptized 8,500 members in Oaxaca. The number of Latter-day Saints in surrounding areas that are served by the new temple totals more than 28,000.

Because of growth in the area, LDS Church president Gordon B. Hinckley announced in 1999 that a temple would be built in Oaxaca. After the building's completion more than 10,000 visitors toured the temple during a public open house. The dedication of the Oaxaca Mexico Temple was the first time James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the church's First Presidency, dedicated a temple. The temple was dedicated on March 11, 2000. More than 18,000 members attended the four dedicatory sessions.[3]

The Oaxaca Mexico Temple has a total floor area of 10,700 square feet (990 m2), two ordinance rooms, and two sealing rooms.[4]